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JTF COVID Shield to police commanders: Monitor social media for quarantine violations

Guillermo Eleazar
Guillermo Eleazar

IN coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) led by General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, the Joint Task Force COVID Shield instructed all police commanders and their men to regularly monitor social media for violations of quarantine protocols. Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, commander of the JTF COVID Shield, said violations of minimum health safety standard protocols such as mass gatherings for drinking sessions and other forms of celebrations are being posted on social media by the complainants and by the violators themselves.

Videos of quarantine protocol violations on the streets which are captured by Closed Circuit Television (CCTVs) and dashcams have also been posted on Facebook.

“The social media are full of photos and evidence of hardheaded people deliberately violating the quarantine protocols. These can be used as pieces of evidence to warn, to fine and to summon the people concerned in coordination with the barangay officials concerned,” said PLt. Gen. Eleazar.

Among the usual photos and videos posted on social media are violations of regulations on motorcycle pillion riding and public drinking.

PLt. Gen. Eleazar said those who would be caught engaging in drinking sessions may face additional charges especially if there is an existing liquor ban in their respective communities.

He appealed to the netizens to assist the PNP in running after the quarantine violators, even if those found involved are policemen.

PNP Chief General Cascolan earlier vowed to discipline any policeman who would be caught violating the quarantine protocols.

“I will see to it that everybody who imposes or implements the law shall be disciplined and should also follow the law they are implementing,” PNP Chief General Cascolan said.

Based on data from the JTF COVID Shield, more than 365,000 have been warned, fined and charged for violations of quarantine rules since March 17.